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Amman, June 15, 2026: UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has sparked widespread international condemnation following controversial remarks regarding the expanded format of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In a recent interview with a Slovenian media outlet, Čeferin criticized FIFA's decision to expand the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, claiming the new structure has led to a high volume of matches that are "completely uninteresting" and "meaningless." The remarks have drawn fierce backlash from football federations across multiple continents, with critics accusing the European football chief of elitism, narrow-minded commercialism, and a blatant disregard for the global nature of the sport.
13 Nations Issue Joint Rejection
In a swift and coordinated response, 13 national football associations issued a unified joint statement expressing their "profound disappointment and firm rejection" of Čeferin's comments. The signatory nations hit back at the narrative, asserting that every single match at the World Cup holds invaluable cultural, national, and sporting merit.
The joint statement was officially signed and backed by a diverse coalition of qualified nations, including:
Arab Nations: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.
African Nations: Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Cape Verde, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Global Participants: Uzbekistan, Haiti, and Curaçao.
Additional Backing: The statement also received formal support from aligned nations, including Jordan.
Core Arguments Defended by the Coalition
The joint response outlined several critical points challenging UEFA's stance:
Realization of Multi-Generational Dreams: For debutants and emerging nations like Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao, qualifying for the final stages of the World Cup represents a monumental, historic achievement that inspires generations of youth.
The Joy of Return: For countries returning after long absences, such as Haiti and the DR Congo, participation is a historic celebration for millions of fans who have waited decades.
Earning It on Merit: The coalition emphasized that no country was handed a free pass; every participating nation earned its place on the pitch through rigorous, fair competition based on pure sporting principles.
The Power of Universality: The federations noted that the true strength of football lies in its inclusivity and global reach, rather than being an exclusive club reserved for a handful of wealthy traditional powers.
Growing Frustration and Silence from FIFA
Football analysts and enthusiasts have expressed bewilderment over the timing and tone of Čeferin's statements, viewing them as a psychological reaction to his home nation, Slovenia, failing to qualify for the North American tournament.
While the expanded 104-match format continues to captivate millions globally, a visible wave of surprise has spread among commentators regarding FIFA's silence. Many are calling on football's governing body to officially address the UEFA President's dismissal of the tournament's competitive integrity and its insult to the efforts of national teams worldwide.